Unveiling of the New Artwork at Padgate Station

• By Ron W
• August 2, 2018
• Comments Off on Unveiling of the New Artwork at Padgate Station

 

A large number of LRA residents were present for the unveiling of the new artwork now on display in the rail-side windows of the main station building.

The “ceremony” was introduced by LRA’s Chairman, Geoff Orange.  He then passed the viewing party over to Bob McLaughlin, Chairman of Friends of Padgate Station and Vice Chairman of LRA.

Bob led a tour of the collection of portraits of some of famous celebrities that were born in the area. The artist who produced the fabulous paintings was there to meet those attending the unveiling.

If you haven’t yet had a chance to see them, and the other improvements to the Station you are advised to go along.

Here is a little taster of what is on show, but, there is no substitute for seeing them for real.

 

KERRY KATONA

 

 

Kerry was a pupil at Padgate High School, and is “well famous” for being a media celebrity; a singer as one of the original members of the extremely successful girl group ATOMIC KITTEN, a winner of “I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here”, a runner-up in Celebrity Big Brother and many, many other TV appearances etc.  She is also well known for the many “ups and downs” she has had in her private life.  Good luck to you for the future Kerry.

(The lady in the picture is Chris Evans’ mum, who sadly passed away recently).

 

 

 

CHRIS EVANS

 

 

Chris, also an ex-pupil of Padgate High School, has also gone on to become a household name in the fields of music, particularly as a DJ,, radio, tv and “the media” in general.

His list of successes on radio and tv is long and includes – The Big Breakfast, TFI Friday, The One Show, Top Gear, BBC2’s Breakfast Show and many more.

A full-on, cheeky chappie, Chris continues to please his huge fan-base.

 

 

 

BURT KWOUK OBE

Burt Kwouk (1930-2016) spent his early years here after his birth before moving to Shangai and then to America to complete his education.

He is probably best known, and loved, for playing the character Cato (aka Kato) Fong in the Pink Panther films. However, Burt had a long and glittering career, appearing in many films and tv programmes including (just a few of them)

• – Tenko (he played the Japanese Army Major Yamauchi)
• – Last of the Summer Wine (as Entwistle)

Burt was awarded the OBE.

 

 

PETE POSTLETHWAITE OBE (1946-2011)

 

What needs to be said about this star amongst stars.

Director Steven Speilberg called him “the best actor in the world” after working with him on The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997), and he ought to be a good judge!

His great roles are too many to mention but a couple which remain firm favourites with his army of fans are as

• – Sergeant Obadiah Hakeswill in SHARPE (didn’t you just hate Obadiah!!), and
• – Danny in Brassed Off

Another one to receive a well-deserved OBE.

 

 

THE STATION MASTER (PADGATE STATION)

 

 

This portrait shows the “Station Master”.  He has a certain resemblance to Bob McLaughlin, but surely that can’t be right?

I know Bob loves trains and if you can’t be an engine driver, surely being a Station Master comes a close second.

Well done to you Bob for all your efforts in leading the drive to improve our local station.

 

 

 

 

FINALLY

It wouldn’t be right to close without saying another thank you so much to Bob and his team at FoPS, and to RACHELLE CLEARY , the artist (pictured below with Bob) who created the wonderful portraits.